Details about player contracts are in the NFL news cycle seemingly every day. There are complicated clauses, guarantees and bonuses that change each player’s money and each team’s salary cap situation.
But what about head coaches? Their money doesn’t count against the cap, and few coaches see the end of a contract. If the team is succeeding, a coach will get an extension before his current deal is up. If the team is struggling, a coach could get fired at any moment.
How much money do NFL head coaches make? The information isn’t always publicly available, depending on the coach and organization.
Here’s what we know about how much each coach will make in 2023 (via Sportico):
Bill Belichick is considered one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. During his storied tenure with the New England Patriots, he led the team to six Super Bowl wins and compiled a career regular season record of 327-159. With his recent departure from the Patriots, many are wondering – how much was Bill Belichick paid as head coach in New England?
Belichick’s Contract with the Patriots
In 2023, Belichick signed a new contract with the Patriots that paid him a reported $25 million per year. This made him the highest paid coach in American professional sports at the time.
The contract was set to run through at least the 2024 season. With his unexpected exit, Belichick will still collect the full remaining salary and bonuses owed to him under the contract. NFL head coaching contracts are fully guaranteed, even if the coach resigns or is fired.
Hefty Salary Continued Patriots Dynasty
It’s clear the Patriots felt Belichick was worth the hefty investment. During his Patriots career, he led the team to:
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9 Super Bowl appearances
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6 Super Bowl championships
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17 AFC East division titles
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13 AFC championship game appearances
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21 playoff appearances
The team saw unparalleled success under Belichick’s leadership. His combination of talent evaluation, game planning, and team culture established a dynasty.
How Belichick’s Salary Compares
At around $25 million per year, Belichick was:
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The highest paid coach in the NFL
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The highest paid coach in U.S. sports
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One of the highest paid coaches and managers in global sports
His salary well exceeded other top NFL coaches like Pete Carroll ($11 million) and Andy Reid ($9 million). It also topped salaries of big name coaches in other major sports like Gregg Popovich ($11 million) in the NBA and Mike Krzyzewski ($9 million) in college basketball.
Career NFL Earnings Approach $200 Million
Over his entire 24 year head coaching career with the Patriots, Belichick is believed to have earned over $200 million total.
His first Patriots contract back in 2000 paid him just $1 million annually. But as the team found success, he gained negotiating leverage for richer deals. Recent contracts reached the $12 million, $20 million and eventually $25 million per year levels.
What’s Next for Belichick?
While Belichick’s time in New England has come to an end, most expect he’ll continue coaching in the NFL. He sits at #2 on the all-time regular season wins list with 327, behind only Don Shula with 347.
It’s likely another team will lure him out of “retirement” with a lucrative offer if the fit is right. Bill Belichick’s combination of talent and championship pedigree means his head coaching salary will remain among the sport’s elite.
Sean Payton, $18 million
Find the latest New England Patriots news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
NBC Sports’ Peter King reported that Payton’s deal with the Denver Broncos is for five years and “in the neighborhood” of $18 million per season. The Broncos are hoping he’s able to turn their franchise around after a rocky first year with Russell Wilson under center. Payton has a Super Bowl win under his belt, plus a 152-89 record in 15 seasons with the Saints.
Pete Carroll, $15 million
The Seattle Seahawks’ head coach since 2010, Carroll has led the team to the postseason 10 times in 12 years. Seattle won Super Bowl XLVIII over the Broncos before losing to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX the following year. The 71-year-old Carroll is the NFL’s oldest head coach, but his latest contract extension runs through 2025.
Bill Belichick met with UNC about head coach opening | NFL insider reacts
FAQ
How much does Bill Belichick make in salary?
Celebrity Net Worth says Belichick makes $12 million a year, but most other sources say it’s a lot more than that. NBC Sports Boston reported his 2023 salary as $20 million, while Sportico lists $25 million.
Who is the highest-paid coach in the NFL?
Top 10 highest-paid NFL coachesCOACHTEAMANNUAL SALARY1. Andy ReidKansas City Chiefs$20 million2. Sean PaytonDenver Broncos$18 million3. Mike TomlinPittsburgh Steelers$16 million3. Jim HarbaughLos Angeles Chargers$16 million.
What is Andy Reid’s salary?
How much does Andy Reid make as an NFL coach? According to AS USA and Pro Football Network, he is the highest-paid coach in the NFL until October 2024, making more than $20 million a year. The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs seems to be unique in his class.
How much is Bill Belichick’s new contract?
Owner Robert Kraft could reasonably conclude the team needs a new leader. That’s where Belichick’s contract matters. Sportico said in November of last year that Belichick signed a new deal in 2023 that will keep him in charge at least until 2024. The new deal is worth about $25 million a year.
How much does Bill Belichick get paid?
So how much does Bill Belichick get paid? In November, Sportico, a major news source on the business of sports, named Belichick the highest-paid coach in the United States, giving him an average annual salary of $25 million.
Is Bill Belichick a good coach?
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is going through the most difficult period of his tenure. Nevertheless, he’s being compensated very well for it. Betchick is still the highest-paid head coach in the NFL, even though this is his worst season since he joined the Patriots in 2000.
Who is Bill Belichick?
On June 3, 2024, Bill Belichick met with Andrej Plenkovic, the prime minister of Croatia, at Banski dvori in Zagreb, Croatia. While there, he received a Croatian certificate of nationality as an NFL football coach. (Source: IMAGO / Pixsell) Bill Belichick, the strategist behind multiple championships, has amassed an impressive fortune.
Did Bill Belichick quietly agree to a multi-year contract?
“Let me add some news: sources say Bill Belichick quietly agreed to terms on a lucrative new multi-year contract during the offseason,” Rapoport said. “His contract is one of the most closely held secrets in New England. That said, I think it’s fair to say there was at least some uncertainty or intrigue surrounding him.
Did Bill Belichick sign a contract extension?
Instead, it has to do with head coach Bill Belichick. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said that Belichick signed a new contract extension this past offseason. “Let me add some news: sources say Bill Belichick quietly agreed to terms on a lucrative new multi-year contract during the offseason,” Rapoport said.
Does Bill Belichick plan to retire?
Even though Bill Belichick said he wouldn’t retire, he hasn’t shown any signs that he plans to do so any time soon. He is in his 70s. His love of football and the pursuit of Don Shula’s wins record are likely factors. The amount of money he’s making is also a consideration.
